R-D1x: Worth the upgrade?

[EXksporry]

I spotted a couple of R-D1s's and an R-D1x in Shanghai. Boxed and look in very good condition. Haven't done a full inspection yet.
I have an R-D1 which was upgraded. I wonder if it's worth exchanging it for the R-D1x. The x version will set me back 14000RMB (around 1400GBP, or 1550euros, which I think is ridiculous for that camera, compared to a Leica M8 or M8.2), minus anything I would get for my own R-D1 "u".

I like the idea of a large LCD display. I don't really need the ability to use SD cards up to 32GB, since the upgrade allows me to use 2GB cards which is more than sufficient for a single day's work. I don't know what the improved processor will do for me, other than maybe faster write speeds, but then again, how fast can I crank that lever?!?

Are there any other upgrades that might make the R-D1x worth buying?

 

[Vincent.G]

The R-D1 and R-D1s has swivel LCD screen but not the R-D1x. You can flip the LCD screen in to protect it - a feature sadly missing in the newer R-D1x.

If you do not need the larger capacity SD cards, your upgraded R-D1 is more than good enough.

 

[umcelinho]

if you dont miss being able to use SD cards above 2gb, don't bother with the x.

 

[EXksporry]

excellent, all I needed to know...! Thanks!

 

[conradyiu]

I am in Shanghai right now and love to have a X for long time, will go to check it out. But RMB14000 is really a crazy price.

 

[EXksporry]

I bought my R-D1 "U" in Osaka for 89k yen, not counting tax free discount

 

[Keith]

I don't have a problem with the size of the LCD on the RD-1 or RD-1s and the current SD card capacity is fine considering the battery life when shooting. If changes in these areas is all the X offers then why bother?

Now if it had a 12 megapixel sensor! 😀

 

[Lss]

I prefer the swivel screen over the fixed screen of the R-D1x. The only functional advantage the newer body gives is support of larger cards. There are cases of the swivel screen dying, so the 'x' may also be slightly more reliable.

 

[gilpen123]

Positive :Better skin not easily peeled off, more robust RF alignment, latest production beginning 2008, higher SD capacity and better, brighter VF.

Negative : fixed LCD screen, no swiveling screen.I'll pick an RD1x anytime.

 

[Lss]

and better, brighter VF.

Never heard of this before. What exactly is changed?

 

[Out to Lunch]

I have decided to buy a new R-D1s or an R-D1x. To mothball until such time my R-D1 and R-D1s are no longer serviceable.

 

[f16sunshine]

Well I don't have an RD1 currently but was an early adopter of the originally released Camera. I would much prefer a slightly larger and higher resolving screen to the sort of flimsy swivelly screen. I repaired mine once through Steves Camera early on for a screen failure as a result of simply using it as designed. Actually I would highly recommend current owners leave their screens turned out and never touch them 😀
It's the equivalent of the self timer in old Fixed lens RF's IMO. One of these days an action that could be the kiss of death.🙁
Some day I hope to get an RD1x although they are quite difficult to find in the US.

 

[elmer3.5]

hi, the ability to use larger sd cards is nice, when on a trip i just ran out of cards so quiclky!
I could manage to cut a pair of slits inside the mr.zhou case to put two extra cards...

But since the x version doesn´t have that pretty swivel lcd screen i don´t know...guess i´d stick to the rd1 o rd1s because of the swivel back!

 

[gilpen123]

The VF is clearer to my eye than my RD1, probably because it's newer.

Never heard of this before. What exactly is changed?

 

[gilpen123]

When I sold my 1st RD1 and replaced with an M8.2, I terribly missed it and eventually sold the M8.2 and got an RD1x when I chanced upon in Adorama. I eventually got the grip
for it - RD1xg.

 

[donz]

Looks gorgeous...so maybe this is better then m8 ?

 

[crispy12]

What do you prefer about the Epson compared to the M8?

 

[crispy12]

What do you prefer about the Epson compared to the M8?

 

[gilpen123]

The M8.2 is good but struggles in ISO 640 above, shots from it are very clean at lower ISO and sharp, difficult to explain but I still prefer the draw of the RD1.

M8.2

RD1

 

[gilpen123]

Now with the grip